They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The brothers don't just call Joseph a "dreamer"; they call him the "master of dreams," a phrase dripping with contempt. This isn't just mockery of his visions, but a bitter accusation that he’s orchestrating them, a proud pretender trying to lord it over them.
They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joseph's brothers are already furious with him because their father Jacob loves Joseph more than them and has given him a special coat. After Joseph tells them about two dreams where he's clearly in a position of authority over them, their hatred intensifies to the point where they plot to kill him. As they see him approaching from a distance, they mockingly refer to him as "this dreamer," intending to get rid of him and see if his dreams will still come true.
When Joseph's brothers saw him approaching, they didn't just call him a 'dreamer.' The original language reveals a deeper layer of contempt.
The Hebrew phrase used here, 'baal hachalomoth,' literally translates to 'master of dreams.' This wasn't a neutral observation; it was loaded with sarcasm.
A Mocking Title
Joseph's brothers' feelings towards him seem intense, almost diabolical. What fueled this deep-seated hatred that led them to plot murder?
The animosity towards Joseph wasn't just typical sibling jealousy. It was a complex mix of factors that festered into a dangerous hatred.
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Roots of Resentment
Understand the original words
ba'al chalomot · Hebrew Noun phrase
A person who receives divine communications via visions or prophetic revelations during sleep. In a biblical context, it often refers to one who claims special insight or destiny, sometimes inciting envy or skepticism in others.
The phrase 'master of dreams' was a sarcastic jab, highlighting the brothers' contempt for Joseph and their fear that his prophetic dreams would come true, solidifying his eventual dominance over them.
c. 1750 BC
Joseph's Birth
Joseph is born to Jacob and Rachel, later in Jacob's life, leading to him being favored above his brothers.
c. 1733 BC— this verse
Joseph's Dreams Revealed
Joseph, at seventeen years old, has two prophetic dreams predicting his superiority over his brothers and parents, which he shares with them, fueling their hatred and envy.
c. 1733 BC
Brothers Plot Against Joseph
When Joseph is sent to check on his brothers at Shechem, they plot to kill him, but Reuben intervenes and suggests casting him into a pit instead.
c. 1733 BC
Joseph Sold into Slavery
While Joseph is in the pit, Judah persuades the brothers to sell him to Ishmaelite traders, who then take him to Egypt.
c. 1733 BC
Jacob Mourns for Joseph
The brothers deceive their father Jacob into believing Joseph was killed by a wild animal, presenting his blood-stained coat as evidence. Jacob mourns deeply.
This verse immediately precedes the accusation, showing that Joseph's dreams were the direct catalyst for his brothers' hatred and mockery.
Genesis 37:20This verse reveals the brothers' intent: to silence Joseph and invalidate his dreams by getting rid of him, highlighting the contemptuous 'dreamer' label.
Galatians 5:22While the brothers mock Joseph's 'dreams,' this passage points to the true source of divine guidance and the virtues that originate from the Spirit, contrasting with the brothers' worldly envy and malice.
1 Samuel 28:6This passage shows that dreams could be a genuine means of communication from God, making the brothers' derision of Joseph as a 'dreamer' a rejection of what might have been divine revelation.
Proverbs 13:10This proverb speaks to how pride and arrogance lead to conflict, reflecting the brothers' envy and their scornful reaction to Joseph's perceived arrogance through his dreams.
gillGenesis 37:19: "And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh."
And they said one to another,.... According to the Targum of Jonathan, Simeon and Levi said what follows: nor is it unlikely, since they were hot, passionate, cruel, and bloody minded men, as appears by the affair of Shechem; and perhaps this may be the reason why Joseph afterwards, when governor of Egypt, took Simeon and bound him, Genesis 42:24 ; which was but a just retaliation for his advice to cast him into a pit w…
clarkeGenesis 37:19: "And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh."
Behold, this dreamer cometh - בעל החלמות baal hachalomoth, this master of dreams, this master dreamer. A form of speech which conveys great contempt.
The brothers don't just call Joseph a "dreamer"; they call him the "master of dreams," a phrase dripping with contempt. This isn't just mockery of his visions, but a bitter accusation that he’s orchestrating them, a proud pretender trying to lord it over them.
Joseph's brothers are already furious with him because their father Jacob loves Joseph more than them and has given him a special coat. After Joseph tells them about two dreams where he's clearly in a position of authority over them, their hatred intensifies to the point where they plot to kill him. As they see him approaching from a distance, they mockingly refer to him as "this dreamer," intending to get rid of him and see if his dreams will still come true.
Joseph's brothers are already furious with him because their father Jacob loves Joseph more than them and has given him a special coat. After Joseph tells them about two dreams where he's clearly in a position of authority over them, their hatred intensifies to the point where they plot to kill him. As they see him approaching from a distance, they mockingly refer to him as "this dreamer," intending to get rid of him and see if his dreams will still come true.
"They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer." — The brothers don't just call Joseph a "dreamer"; they call him the "master of dreams," a phrase dripping with contempt. This isn't just mockery of his visions, but a bitter accusation that he’s orche…
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Last reviewed October 2026